It has long been rumored that the quirky Hyundai Veloster hatchback will be gaining a hotter, turbocharged variant in the near future. A new release from Hyundai in South Korea has announced a new turbocharged 1.6-liter I-4, and we wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if it winds up in the quirky 3-door Veloster.
The new Gamma 1.6 T – GDI engine, as Hyundai as calling it, should be good for 204 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque from 1750 to 6000 rpm. Similar to the 1.6-liter currently in the Veloster, it takes advantage of gasoline direct-injection to help boost efficiency and lower emissions; Hyundai claims that the new engine will meet both the stringent California ULEV-2 and Euro5 emissions standards. The current Gamma 1.6-liter inline-four in the Veloster makes 138 hp and 123 lb-ft, sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch transmission.
When we reached out to Hyundai regarding the new turbocharged engine, they did not deny that it could be coming stateside, stating only they “can’t comment on future product.” Hmmm.
With a 204-hp turbocharged four-banger, the Veloster would fall right in the middle of the hot hatch pack: more powerful than the 181-hp Mini Cooper S, the 201-hp Honda Civic Si, and the 200-hp Volkswagen GTI, but down on power when compared to the 263-hp Mazdaspeed3 and the 265-hp Subaru WRX.
From what we know, the Veloster Turbo is expected to make its debut in January at the 2012 Detroit auto show. Stay tuned for more information in the coming months.
